Yeah, that was the report. Not sure if true. Luka's nothing like his dad though. Even before he went to Real as a 13-y old, he had little contact with Saša. He was raised by Real Madrid staff and his mom. Facts like these show Kings' scouting of Luka was very poor, if it is indeed true.
She gave a good interview two years ago to a Slovenian newspaper...she was around only as much as Luka needed her to be, even though she missed him like crazy once he went to Spain. Luka's lucky to have a mom like this, and a bit unlucky to have a dad like this (a video went online a couple of years ago, with him being drunk and screaming at the camera that Luka should fire his current agent, hire his dad's - very shady - agent so they could be rich). But since he probably got the love for basketball from his dad, it all turned out alright.
Role models are everywhere, it would have been good to look up to his dad, but you know, men grow up no matter what. His game is so smoove, he can dominate Europe and the NBA......very envious.
If he was left with his dad, he surely wouldn't get that work ethic that enabled him to be what he is today. Luckily for him, he ended up in the best possible situation with Real.
Vlade did him a favor. Fatboy would not have survived Sacramento/San Fran food scene and nightlife. Dallas is trash with nothing to do, so it gives him plenty of time to work on his game and become a serviceable NBA player.
It's really not that limited. He's been doing this for years, even though he's just 20. Even in the NBA, it's been over a year now. [/quote]Never thought that a pudgy 6-7 20year old with below average speed, jumping ability, first step, lateral movement and size, could be avg 30/10/10 on 63% TS.[/QUOTE] Again, he's more athletic than people think. About average overall for an NBA player, but with elite lateral movement and stopping ability. He also put a lot of work in this summer getting into better shape...he's not pudgy any more. But, given that he isn't just a freakish athlete...clearly what he does have is freakish basketball skills. And they're just getting better...as are his teammates.
Even the local sports reporters have mentioned this. Dallas is all about the Cowboys. People, in general, are probably aware that Luka is playing pretty well, but there certainly isn't widespread local Lukamania going on. Fan sites are not a good representation of the general population. You are just getting those that are really into it...not the masses who aren't.
By 'serviceable' you mean top 10 NBA currently, and potential to get somewhere in the All Time greats, right? That kind of 'serviceable'?
Concerns about athletic ability and how well skills would translate. I think you'll see a lot more Euroleagers now...as if every Euroleager is the next Doncic. But, I think the league did finally realize that just because you're tall, and you're from Nigeria, doesn't mean you're the next Olajuwon. But it took a while.
The league went through a similar phase after Dirk became a star. Teams started drafting Euro big mean who can shoot with high draft picks. Most of them turned out to be big busts.
Ya, think you're right. Shame...he's built for it. Also saw that indeed his screens aren't the best. He bulked up a lot...that should help, and setting a screen should be coachable. It's like the one thing on the court that literally anybody could be taught to do. It mostly requires the fine art of ... standing there? Possibly a product of being a good athlete. I'm not a bball stud or anything, but I always worked on PnR. Seemed like an easy way to score when everyone around you is a better athlete than you are. If you ARE the better athlete...man, you should be able to clean up with that! Hoping that part is mainly just his recovering from injury, and learning to trust himself. Was he hurt in a similar move? Can't recall for sure...
My hope is whoever is in his camp that they want to be in a larger market or different market for whatever reason, I love watching Luka, but it makes me sick he is on the Mavs. Literally any other team I would be OK with, even the Jazz jesus.
Lol at getting banned from an internet message board because you love some random dude who you will never meet. Pathetic doesn't matter put it into words
Top 10 overweight players? Sure. All Time greats in the category might a stretch though. Google Oliver Miller.